Tobi Amusan’s historic world record and title winning feats in Oregon has been named among the 40 greatest World Championships moments to mark the 40th anniverssary of World Athletics’ flagship event.
Amusan’s feats were voted as the 13th greatest moment in the history of the championships by fans worldwide follwing World Athletics’ decision to make fans of the sports vote for the greatest moments from the past four decades of championship action.
The Nigerian not only made history as the first Nigerian to win a World outdoor title and set a world record, she was also the first sprint hurdler to legally duck inside 12.20 seconds (12.12) while her 12.06 seconds is the fastest ever by any woman in all conditions.
World Athletics wrote the then 25 year old Nigerian’s feat elicited a lot of controveries due to its incredulity.
‘For quite some time after the race, many people wondered if there had been some sort of timing malfunction.
‘Tobi Amusan’s world record of 12.12 – in the semifinals, no less – seemed to come from nowhere. And many other athletes in her heat set lifetime bests or season’s bests.
‘But the next semifinal at the World Championships in Oregon was also fast, the top four finishers setting PBs.
‘It was simply a great day for hurdling.
‘Less than two hours later, the sprint hurdlers were back on track for the final. Once again, Amusan produced a stunning race to cross the finish line first.
‘This time, she went even faster, clocking 12.06. The wind speed of 2.5m/s was over the allowable limit for record purposes, but it backed up her world record mark from the semifinals.
‘The other medallists clocked their best ever times, too, with Britany Anderson and Jasmine Camacho-Quinn both running 12.23 to take silver and bronze respectively.
‘Amusan went on to back up her stunning form later in the season, winning the Commonwealth title in 12.30 and the Diamond League crown in 12.29,’ wrote World Athletics on its website.
